Gabby Coren is in her third and final year at Wesley. Studying architecture and in the process of finishing her undergraduate degree, Gabby is about to embark on a two-year Master of Architecture at the University of Sydney.
Originally from Woodville in Maitland, Gabby is one of five girls. Her father is a doctor and her mother a gardener. Together with her grandparents (her grandfather also well known for his green thumb), they live on the same Hunter Valley family farm her mother grew up on. The lovingly tended property boasts many acres of gardens, hosting tours and weddings. It is little surprise, having lived in such a special spot, that Gabby feels deeply connected to the region.
Despite living in and returning to Maitland, Gabby’s grandfather, mother and older sister also lived at Wesley whilst studying at Sydney University. Her younger sister Phoebe is currently in her 2nd year at the college, and youngest sister Annie is set to join next year, meaning that Wesley has always been, and continues to be, an integral part of the Coren family story.
From the garden to architecture
A self-described ‘average’ and unremarkable school student, Gabby attended Hunter Valley Grammar in Maitland. Outside the classroom, however, she was already developing an entrepreneurial streak. In her senior years, her mother allocated her an acre of land on which to grow fruit, vegetables and flowers, which she sold at local markets during her final three years of school. Her sunflowers proved particularly popular.
Gabby loved the process of growing produce from seed and the satisfaction of seeing her efforts come to fruition. She also enjoyed the business side of the venture, building relationships with local customers who became loyal supporters over time.
This work funded three months of travel during a subsequent gap year, which Gabby took because she was undecided regarding what to study beyond school. Given that Gaby had enjoyed an affinity with the land, she initially considered a degree in agriculture – but architecture also appealed, and it was her growing passion for design, and stretching her knowledge beyond what she already knew that saw architecture win out in the end.
A familiar place, a new beginning
Sydney Uni was the only campus on Gabby’s radar, and Wesley the obvious residential choice. She well remembers her older sister Lizzie leaving for Wesley a relatively introverted and reserved teenager, only to return home with newfound confidence and enthusiasm. Lizzie had spoken so highly of her experience that she encouraged Gabby to follow in her footsteps. With neighbours and cousins also among Wesley’s alumni, the College felt like familiar territory and a natural next step.
When reflecting on what she had expected Wesley to be, Gabby notes the gap between the assumptions she’d made, and the reality of her experience. Whilst she had only heard positive reports, Wesley was even more fun than anticipated - encouraging broader social networks and prompting friendships across multiple year groups.
Gabby was also pleasantly surprised to find that she was one of several ‘freshers’ (first year students) who had taken a gap year between school and university, and she was impressed by how student-led the college was, which was a significant and welcome departure from school.
Above all, Gabby was inspired by the students’ deep sense of pride and belonging, reflected in their enthusiasm, unwavering support and active participation in College life.
Coming from a close-knit rural community, Gabby found something familiar in the connections she built at Wesley. Whilst Gabby dreams of traveling and working overseas, she would like to think that she will return to a rural community – perhaps Maitland – to raise her own family. ‘Wesley’s community is the closest thing to what I have known. It was nurturing there as it is here, and I think I would have felt lost without it’.
With her rural upbringing, Gabby feels that Wesley’s support provided the gentle buffer she needed - between university and the big city – ensuring that she didn’t fall in the deep end. ‘Wesley is such a safe and warm place to be’, she says, describing the College as the perfect introduction to university for those moving to the city for the first time.
‘Plus - you live in a castle on campus with your best friends. You walk to class, and it feels like a dream. What’s not to love?’
Making the most of every opportunity
In her time at Wesley, Gabby’s main highlights have been the friends she’s made, and her expanding networks. Forging strong relationships with people across multiple year groups and from all over Australia and beyond ‘opens you up to so many friends you wouldn’t have otherwise met’.
At high school, Gabby admits that she didn’t have particularly lofty ambitions or leadership aspirations. Arriving at Wesley, however, felt like a fresh start: an opportunity to try new things, challenge herself and discover what she was capable of. ‘I thought to myself – I only have three years, so I want to cram it all in and sit in different shoes and see what that looks like’. She was conscious of the privilege of being at Wesley, and was keen to make the most of the opportunity and ‘squeeze everything out of it’.
‘I understand that these are the most fundamental years that set you up for the person you are, and this has been an amazing opportunity to independently define who I am, at a key stage of my life’.
In her second year, Gabby was appointed a Community Leader. The role gave her a new perspective on College life, offering an insight into the work behind the scenes and the responsibility involved in supporting other students. It also prompted her to think more deeply about the contribution she could make to the community. ‘What kind of person can I be to help other people through this?’ she recalls asking herself.
By her third year, Gabby had thrown herself wholeheartedly into College life - and it was little surprise that she was elected Wesley’s Senior Student. The responsibility of representing the student community and helping shape the experience of others was not lost on her. ‘Having a say in what everyone else’s experience looked like here was so crazy’, she reflects. Aware that younger students were looking to her as a role model, Gabby valued the opportunity to contribute to the College in a meaningful way. She is particularly grateful to have worked alongside a team so passionate about Wesley - committed to creating a positive experience for every member within its community.
A Wesley connection for life
As Gabby heads out the door and we bid her a very fond farewell, she is proud of the impact she has made on the College, and excited to see what her younger sisters Phoebe and Annie make of their experiences next year. Wesley will remain a lovely connection for them all, and an excuse for Gabby to revisit regularly.
Looking further ahead, Gabby is especially curious to see how her friendships evolve beyond College life. She wonders what these connections will look like in 10 or 20 years’ time, and what role Wesley will play in her life beyond residency.
As Gabby prepares for her next chapter, she leaves Wesley with lasting friendships, cherished memories and the satisfaction of having made a meaningful contribution to the community that has shaped her university years. While architecture will no doubt take her in new directions, the sense of belonging she has found at Wesley will remain a lasting connection – one she looks forward to sharing with her friends and family for many years to come.
